250cc's over for 25 years. Bilateral capsulectomy 2 years ago due to CC, and left them out for that time. BA unders 350cc's. Lots of scar tissue in right breast. It was cleaned out as much as doc could get. In PT 3x/wk for right breast and shoulder. Couldn't raise my arm all the way up. Left soft with a lot of movement in the pocket, but right wiggles a bit now. Gets soft w massage, but not the same as the other. Feels stuck and firm from top and bottom. Can a capsule form this quickly? Thanks.

Doctor Answers 7

6 weeks post reaugmentation - tightness.

May 3rd, 2013

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At 6 weeks postop, it is possible to start experiencing the signs/symptoms of a capsular contracture. However, tightness from the muscle is also possible, particularly in a very active individual like yourself. Time will tell as a contracture typically persists whereas muscle tightness relaxes. Aggressive massage may help in the interim. Be patient and try to avoid daily exams as this will leave you frustrated.

Is This CC, a Tight Pocket or Tight Muscle?

April 30th, 2013

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This does not have the appearance of a contracture (though a grade 2 capsule would feel firm but look normal). I suspect this is a normal course for a submuscular implant, and that the appearance will soften as the pectoral muscles stretch out and relax to accommodate these implants. This can take up to three months or longer, and longer is likely in a muscular patient.

Unlikely to be a recurrent capsular contracture at 6 weeks post op

April 30th, 2013

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It is unlikely that this is a recurrent capsular contracture. Most likely the muscle and skin are tight and causing a firm breast. Follow your plastic surgeon's advice and massage the breasts as instructed.

Capsular contracture would be less likely

April 30th, 2013

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Thanks for your ? and pic. At 6 weeks, it is more likely muscle swelling and a tight pocket since there was more scar tissue. If your right pectoralis is more prominent then it can account for some of this. I think PT is a good modality. Given your previous 250CC over and now 350CC under, I think this is a lot of volume for the pocket. It is not surprising that the swelling is lasting longer than normal. Best of Luck!

Many factors for early tightness when prior history of capsules and now under muscle

September 29th, 2013

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This is probably a combination of tight muscle and resistant scarring from prior surgeries. Capsules will be forming at 6 weeks, but that doesn't mean they are contracting at this point. The fact that it gets better with PT is promising, although you may have to keep with it for quite a while. As far as CCs, is the size you have now what you wanted? Is it how you fill/not fill a bra or clothes? I would also suggest doing stretching exercises that isolate your pects besides the PT.

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